Colchester United’s promising teenage midfielder, Alex Gilbey, has this afternoon put pen to paper on a new contract, so ending months of speculation.

Gilbey has signed a new two-and-a-half-year deal, which will keep him at the Weston Homes Community Stadium until the summer of 2016.

“I’m delighted to have signed a new deal with Colchester United,” enthused Gilbey.

“I’m very happy at the club and I’m really looking forward to the next few years.”

Meanwhile, manager Joe Dunne explained: “It’s great that we have secured Alex’s services for the next two and a half years.

“The communication between us as a club and Alex and his representatives has always been open and honest, and credit must go to the Chairman (Robbie Cowling), Alex and everyone else involved for coming to this wonderful football decision.

“Alex is one of the youngsters who have made great strides over the past couple of years and we will see him get even better in the next couple of seasons.”

Gilbey has been a mainstay of the U’s first team squad this season, making 25 senior appearances. The 19-year-old has already clocked up 37 outings during his short career.